Alpha Fetoprotein: Tumor Marker in Gynaecology

Abstract

Ovarian carcinoma is the fifth most common cause of cancer death. It is the second most common gynecologic malignancy in developed countries and the third most common gynecological cancer. There are several intrinsic problems that render ovarian cancer screening difficult. An optimal screening test has high sensitivity, specificity, patient acceptance. The three screening techniques available for ovarian malignancy are: Pelvic examination, Tumor Marker, TVS. Tumor markers are used to screen for or diagnose malignancies, determine prognosis or monitor therapy. Alpha Fetoprotein is tumour marker for Embryonal Carcinoma, Yolk Sac tumour, Immature Teratoma, Sertoli-Leydigs cell tumour. The concept of preventive oncology has been developed to approach cancer problem at various points in evolution with goal of reducing cancer suffering and death.